Isuzu Dakar D-Max Set to Compete in the Famous Rally

Isuzu D-Max Dakar is one of the most spectacular and powerful pick-ups ever built, and it will participate in the Dakar Rally - one of the most gruelling races on earth. The event will happen in January next year.

The vehicle is based on the production Isuzu D-Max 4x4 double-cab, but it has increased performance due to the new 3.0-litre (2,994cc) 16-valve common-rail turbo diesel engine. It produces output of 242 horsepower (178 kW) and 589 Nm (435 lb-ft) of torque. The powerplant is matched to a four-wheel drive system and a sequential five-speed Hollinger gearbox and Xtreme rally clutch.

Further enhancements regard the chassis, which includes custom-built, full-length eight millimetre aluminium skid plates, while the steel cab body is fitted with an integrated roll-cage and carbon-fibre panels that shield the pick-up's key components.

The immediate stopping is ensured by the additionally added DBA Kangaroo Paw ventilated disc brakes with cross-drilled discs and Harrop aluminium racing calipers. Isuzu D-Max Dakar rides on 16 x 7-inch ROH Trojan alloy wheels, shod with Toyo Open Country M/T-R tyres. And to sum up the result of these enhancements, it is a great acceleration time from zero to 100 km/h in seven seconds. The top speed is 190 kph.